The Philippines and Malaysia have agreed to explore trade opportunities for Halal products as a means to recover from the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez discussed these with Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Norman Muhamad during the ambassador’s courtesy call on 20 October 2020.
Both countries also noted the possibility of forging barter agreements in the south of Mindanao–specifically the Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi (BaSulTa) island provincesn conjunction with Malaysia’s plans to introduce an online barter system.
Lopez also expressed his appreciation to the envoy for Malaysia’s successful leadership as this year’s chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.
The discussion on trade opportunities was aimed at supporting both countries’ economic recovery efforts amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
